The National Association of Interpretion defines interpretation as "a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in the resource." The year-round education programming at the Wells Reserve aims to build these meaningful connections.

Last month, the Reserve hosted 27 interpreters from across the country and around the world for a Certified Interpretive Trainer workshop facilitated by the National Association of Interpretation. Talented and creative professionals working at nature centers, aquariums, battlefields, state parks, and other interpretation centers in Hong Kong, France, Chile, California, Montana, Utah, and other locales joined together for a week of wonderfully intense learning.

The Reserve's two year-round educators participated, and as a result now have new interpretive techniques and knowledge to integrate into the Reserve's school programs, public programs, teacher trainings, exhibits, and trail signs.

Reserve educators Kate and Suzanne will share tips learned at the workshop with the Reserve's cadre of volunteer naturalists next week at spring docent training. Docents will explore the ideas of developing themes for programs, using questionning techniques to engage an audience, and reaching different learning styles when developing programs. Suzanne and Kate are also planning to faciliate a Certified Interpretive Guide training at the Reserve in the near future, helping other interpreters to hone their programming techniques and create meaningful connections for visitors to their sites. Exciting times are ahead!